“Why didn’t you tell me?”
Josh grinned. “If you’ve forgotten, sharing information is not my strong point, but I promise, I’ll do better.”
If she’d known all this time that she wasn’t in some stranger’s home, she may have felt entirely different. Or maybe not sleep at all.
“Maybe you can start by telling me again what you’d do with that frosting.” Ellie didn’t want to think or talk about anything that couldn’t be changed. She was happy and wanted to remain that way.
Josh put her down, but her legs were weak with desire, and she missed the warmth of his arms.
“Honey, I want you, but I don’t want you to feel rushed, pressured.”
She needed Josh to focus only on her as well. Ellie looked up to meet his eyes. All it took was one glance to see his hunger reflected her own. She was lost. The kiss they had shared on the beach had only been a flicker of the flame beginning to burn. She yearned for his kisses, his touch. Josh was so concerned about not hurting her that she needed to show him she wasn’t the delicate flower he thought she was. Boldly, she took his hand and led him to the foot of his bed. Then leaning into him, her breasts pressed against his blue dress shirt, she whispered breathlessly, “You’re bed looks . . . inviting. May I try it?”
“Honey, I want to make sweet love to you, but I’ve been indisposed for a while. I should hit the shower first. Would you care to join me?”
Ellie nodded and he reached out, took her hand in his, and led her to the shower. It was much larger than hers back home, which was good, because Josh wasn’t tiny. He turned on the water and tested it. Then she watched as he slowly unbuttoned his shirt and tossed it to the floor. Then he did the same to his jeans.
Ellie reached behind her and unzipped the white dress. It slipped to the floor. She hadn’t been wearing a bra, and her bare breasts ached to be fondled. She slipped out of her silk panties as Josh removed his boxers. She was bold, but staring at his manhood was a bit more than she was comfortable with. At least right now. So she opened the shower door and tested the water. It was nice and hot, just as she liked it. Stepping inside, she wondered if they would both fit. When he stepped in beside her, she found they did, but there was not enough room to . . . go wild. But this was supposed to be a shower before making love. If I can keep my hands off him that long.
Once the door closed behind Josh, she leaned her back against him. The water might be steamy hot, but all she could feel was his hard erection pressed firmly against her skin. She nestled closer.
“You’re going to make it difficult to actually shower,” Josh half groaned in her ear. Ellie giggled and stepped away slightly.
Turning, she grabbed the loofah and squeezed some liquid soap on it. The familiar scent Josh wore filled her nostrils. She slowly took the soapy loofah over her hand, up her arm, down her shoulder over her breast, then down her abdomen and up to her breast again. Josh’s eyes followed every movement. While she washed one breast, Josh reached out and played with the nipple of the other. Her nipples were taut and an ache between her legs grew stronger.
While Josh’s hands roamed over her body, she took the loofah and started to wash him. Following the same path she’d taken on herself, she approached his abdomen and her fingers trembled. Not with fear, but desire. Her hand moved lower, until his manhood was thoroughly washed.
He pushed her gently away so the hot water washed the soap from both their bodies. Letting the loofah fall to the floor, her eyes glued to his. Dropping to her knees, she reached out and touched him. First slowly, but then she began to stroke him. Ellie wanted to taste him and as her lips wrapped around him, a deep moan echoed in the shower. Yes. Let me make you feel good. He moaned again as she cupped him with her other hand. Breaking his gaze, she blew gently before she licked the tip. A deep husky groan rumbled through him. She felt his body tense. Her tongue continued to lick him from the base, up his length, to the tip.
“Ellie,” his voice growled, filled with need. His breath was ragged. “If you don’t stop, I won’t be able to hold back.”
She removed her mouth from his cock only long enough to say, “I don’t want you to. I want to taste you.”
Pulling back from her, he said, “Honey, I want you so much, but not here.” Josh turned off the water and helped her back to her feet. He stepped out of the shower, grabbed a towel, and began drying her. She didn’t care about being wet. She had plans on getting a lot wetter. But she didn’t stop him. Instead she enjoyed the gentle care he gave to dry her thoroughly. Then she took another towel and repeated the favor. Once they were both dry, Josh took her by the hand and led her back to the bedroom.
This time he wasn’t holding back. He claimed her lips, his tongue hungrily exploring her mouth. Their bodies were on fire, but Josh was not missing any part of her. His hands roamed over her body, massaging and rubbing.
“Please, Josh, I want . . .” With her hand, she tried to guide his, but he was so much taller than she was that the angle wasn’t going to work.
“Tell me. What do you want, Ellie?” His voice was husky with need.
Trying once again to move his hand between her legs, she failed. The built up desire was too much. Her voice cracked as she pleaded. “I want, need you to . . . touch me.”
“I am touching you, honey,” Josh teased. “I promise you, I’ll get there, but I want to touch every inch of you first.” Bending, he took her nipple into his mouth.
A moan escaped her lips. She was enjoying everything, but that was only making the ache between her legs stronger.
She wiggled, “Are you really going to make me say it?” Ellie asked.
Josh grinned, then lifted her and placed her in the center of the king size bed. He arched over her, resting his weight on one elbow. The other hand traced up the outside of her thigh as he said, “You wanted me to touch you here?” She shook her head, and he continued moving up. Stopping just below her belly button he asked, “Here?” Again she shook her head.
A moan escaped her as he slid his hand between her legs and his fingers parted her wet folds. “Here?” His thumb pushed them apart until he found her swollen clit. He circled it while staring into her eyes.
“Yes.” Her voice shook as she replied.
Josh continue rubbing her clit as her body began to tremble with need. She gripped his shoulders as she opened her legs farther to give him more access to her hot center. She quivered as Josh slipped one finger deep inside her then stroked her G-spot before pulling it back out. Yes. Don’t stop.
Breathlessly, she begged, “I can’t take much more. I want to feel you inside me, and I don’t want to wait any longer, Josh. Please.”
He entered her again but with two fingers. She cried out with pleasure as he continued circling her clit, arching her hips closer to him. Ellie loved the feel of his fingers, but she needed it harder, faster, and deeper.
When she thought she’d die from the sweet torture, Josh adjusted himself lower, so his mouth replaced his hand. At first she missed the fingers inside of her, until his tongue darted out and licked her. First he circled her clit, teasing her beyond belief, her legs trembling as she gripped the cool sheets of his bed. As he continued to suck her, he entered her with one finger, penetrating her deeply, fingering her G-spot.
The waves of passion turned into fire as her body began to shake wildly. She couldn’t hold back any longer.
“Josh,” she screamed as she clenched around his fingers. She moaned and moved against him until she was spent.
As she tried to catch her breath, Josh removed his hand, and she heard foil tearing open so he could sheath himself. Instantly he was settled between her legs again, his hard cock finally at her entrance. As he took the head of his cock and rubbed her clit, she trembled again. Then he continued to move it through her wet folds and back to her clit. Her body was on fire, and she felt another wave building, stronger than the first.
Josh dipped the head of his cock inside her then rubbed her clit. She couldn�
��t hold back, and she felt her body shudder again and again until she finally went still.
His cock was at her opening, and he said, “Ellie, look at me.”
She did as he asked. His eyes were dark with desire, but there was something about his expression she couldn’t read.
“I’ve never wanted anyone like I do you. This isn’t . . . it’s more than . . . sex. I love you, Ellie.”
Though she was dizzy from the pleasure of her release, she didn’t need ears to hear those words; she heard them with her racing heart.
“I love you too, Josh.”
He bent and claimed her lips as he buried himself deep inside her. Her body had waited for what seemed a lifetime, and she cried out in euphoria.
He slowly moved inside her, each stroke sweeter than the last. Never had she experienced such passion. The giving and taking as one.
She didn’t want this feeling to end, arching to him, gripping him, bringing him to her again and again.
His moans of pleasure were drowned out by her own. Her body tensed and rocked with release, clenching around him. As the waves continued, Josh plunged deeper into her and shuddered with his release.
He collapsed beside her, each trying to catch their breath. Wrapping an arm around her, he pulled her to rest on top of him.
“Hmm. You make a wonderful blanket,” Josh said, still huffing.
Ellie laid her head on his chest, too spent to think of a witty response. I could sleep like this every night.
She was about to close her eyes when she heard the words again.
“I love you, Ellie.”
She lifted her head to look into his eyes. There was no doubt in her mind. This was the real Josh Turchetta, and he meant what he was saying.
“I love you too, Josh.”
He kissed her forehead before she snuggled back against his chest. Who wants to think about tomorrow when today is so perfect?
Chapter Fourteen
The sun was about to set and it was almost time to get Ellie back to Yonkers. If Josh had his way, she’d stay with him. But she’d already closed her shop for two days and was insistent on it opening on time Tuesday morning. The past hour had been spent watching her jot down her display for the morning rush. Ellie was so focused he couldn’t get her to come out onto the deck with him.
He was sure he could’ve gotten her to change her mind and take a short break, but when Rafe text him asking for a call, and the deck provided the privacy he needed. Josh hadn’t yet explained to Ellie what he actually did. Loving someone meant supporting their career choice. It was easy for him, but Ellie had no clue that he put his life in harm’s way all the time. It was a conversation that needed to take place before she went back home.
“A prince! Can’t they send their military?” Josh asked Rafe.
“It’s complicated.”
Isn’t it always? “Let me guess, it’s the military that has him.”
“You might say he’s being detained against his will. The king has fallen ill and the eldest son, a real piece of shit, has imprisoned his brother.”
“And why are we involved?” Josh asked. This wasn’t their normal type of mission. It sounded more like they needed family counseling instead.
“Because the Hendersons asked for our help.”
Of course. Somehow their paths continued to cross more and more with the Hendersons. “Do we have all the details?”
“Not yet. Those will be coming. We have a meeting with Bennett Stone and Alex Henderson in a few days. I’d like to take the lead on this one.”
“Roger.”
Rafe changed the subject. “How are things with you and Ellie?”
“I explained what transpired with Parker, Mabe, and Night.”
“And?”
“Ellie is Frank’s sister. She asked questions, but understood that the world is filled with ugliness.”
“I never would’ve thought she could handle that type of news.”
“She’s tougher than anyone would think.” Even me.
“Good. She’s going to need to be to put up with you,” Rafe joked.
“You’ve been spending too much time with Gabe. You’re starting to sound like him.” Josh knew Rafe and Gabe were as different as night and day. But every once in a while, Rafe relaxed enough to almost laugh. And Deanna is a saint for putting up with your ass.
Rafe got serious once again, saying, “You’re right. That’s why he’s going with you.”
“Great. Just what I need.” Gabe was the man you wanted on your side, but somehow Josh knew he was going to get shit about that damn video Katia-Lynn took. Gabe said it was permanently deleted. But for Gabe, nothing was ever truly gone. He probably had a copy just waiting for the right/wrong time to play it again.
Josh heard the door open and knew Ellie was coming out to join him.
“Text me the information, and I’ll be there.”
Rafe responded, “Roger.”
The call ended as Ellie came around the corner. “Guess I’m not the only one who worked through the sunset.” She took the seat next to him. “Melissa told me a little about what you do, what all you guys do. But I still don’t really understand it.”
This was the perfect time to explain, and the chopper was approaching to fly them back to Yonkers. It would also give him time to break the news that he couldn’t stay.
Josh got up and extended his hand to her. “Why don’t I explain it while I get you home?”
Ellie didn’t budge. “Oh no you don’t. I know how this works.”
“I don’t know what you mean?”
“The last time you dropped me off and took off again. I could be wrong, but you seem to have that same look in your eyes.”
Josh sat back down. “Got me figured out that quickly, did you?” She nodded. “You’re half right. I won’t be able to stay in Yonkers with you. We have another . . . assignment.” The word mission sounded too dangerous to use with her.
“Different from the last one?”
“Yes. I can’t tell you the details.” I don’t have them myself. “But it will take me overseas. We are off the grid for periods of time. I don’t want you thinking that because you don’t hear from me, I’m not thinking of you.”
Ellie was quiet for a moment then said, “My brother would do the same. I’m . . . used to it.”
Josh reached out and took her hand. “But you don’t like it.” Ellie shook her head. “Honey, I wish I could tell you this will be the last one, but I won’t lie to you. This is what I do. We are called to help when no one else can.”
“I know. I’m . . . proud of you for doing it. I’m just not sure what I’d do if I lost you too.”
Pulling her into his arms, Josh said, “Honey, we work as a team. I’m not out there alone. Yes, it comes with its risk, but so do a lot of things. I can’t change who I am. All I can do is promise to be careful.”
Ellie buried her face in his neck. “Foolish to have thought someone like you would be happy selling cupcakes in my shop.”
Josh laughed. “I don’t know how safe that would be. I clearly remember someone throwing dozens of cupcakes at me. That’s a slip hazard if I ever saw one.”
Ellie sat up and slapped his shoulder playfully. “I believe you asked for it.”
“How exactly did I do that?”
She smiled. “You thought I wouldn’t do it. I needed to prove to you I wasn’t a pushover.”
Josh laughed. “Don’t worry, I’ll never make that mistake again.”
Ellie wrinkled her nose and said, “Darn, I thought you looked so delicious in all that green.”
“If you start now, you’re not making it back to Yonkers tonight.”
Ellie leaped off his lap. “Tempting, but I have a business to run. And I’m already going to be up baking all night to have it ready for morning.”
Josh knew he could change her mind with a kiss and a touch. But Toot Sweets was important to her, and that made it important to him as well. Getting up, Josh sa
id, “Let’s get you home. If you want, I’ll stay the night and help you cook.”
Ellie declined his offer. “First off, I bake, not cook. And if you stay, nothing will get done.”
“What are you working on?”
“First I need to find Frank’s list he left me. Then I’m going to tackle another vegetable from there.”
Shit. He needed to get that back into the shop. “You wait here and I’ll grab your bag.”
“Okay. I want a few more minutes to enjoy the smell of the ocean.”
He kissed her on top of her head and went inside. Then he grabbed his phone and texted Chris and Gabe.
NEED THAT LIST NOW!
Gabe responded. WHERE?
YONKERS.
Chris texted. I’LL BE THERE IN TWO HOURS.
Part of him wanted to fess up to what he’d done. But that would take something Ellie held dear to her. For all he knew, Frank had intentionally listed out Carlos’s name with vegetables to accomplish two things. There were definitely other ways he could’ve left the lead without including Ellie. That was Josh’s theory, and he had no proof, but it was the only thing that made any sense.
When he returned outside he said, “I think you should add the Broccolicous to the list for tomorrow.”
Ellie laughed. “Is that what took you so long? You were planning my menu?”
“Just one. It’s my favorite.”
“Oh, I bet. Keep it up, Josh, and I’ll be sneaking broccoli into everything I make for you.”
Josh raised his hands. “I don’t like it that much. You win.”
Winking, Ellie said, “Always.”
Josh pulled her into his arms, and before kissing her he clarified, “For now.”
* * *
Ellie had hated saying goodbye to Josh last night, but if she hadn’t she might as well have kept the doors locked. Her cases were full and customers seemed happy. It was as though things were back to normal. But she knew they weren’t. Toot Sweets was still in the red; it was decision time. No matter how badly she wanted to make this work, she didn’t have the foggiest idea how.
For Passion Page 16
